Blue green algae warning for Sandy Loch

SHETLAND Islands Council says its environmental health team has received notification that potentially toxic blue green algae is present in the Sandy Loch, Lerwick.

Notices have been posted next to the loch warning that contact with algal scum should be avoided.

Adjoining landowners, Shetland Anglers Association and NHS Shetland have been advised.

At this stage there is no adverse effect on water supplies as treatment of water supplies removes blue green algae.

Blue green algae exist in fresh waters and can be noticed when their concentrations increase to form “blooms” or scums, looking like blue-green paint, or when they collect on the shore line.

Some blue green algae may give rise to adverse medical effects, but not always.

The actions currently taken are precautionary.